Stunning Buildings With Whole Trees

This would have been the ultimate house as a kid.

From the NY Times, an unmilled tree can hold 50% more weight than the largest piece of lumber milled from the same tree. The more whole wood is used in place of steel, the less carbon is pumped into the air. By peeling smaller weed trees out of a crowded forest stand, the remaining trees get bigger and healthier. The small diameter trees are useful for rafters and framing. The large trees that were downed by wind or disease make for excellent columns and beams. This low cost, energy efficient structure is from the vision of World Tree Architecture and Construction. Whole Trees can keep construction costs as low as $100 per square foot. There is much to admire about this fantastically, brilliant idea.

I would have actually been excited to go to school every day if that was the bed I woke up from.

This energy efficient building gets the inherent energy benefits of the unmilled wood along with solar panel technology.

Lots of natural light gives this house an sense of nature indoors.

The London Bridge Meets The Shard!

Came across a cool blog from 2modern about the London Bridge Quarter development. The Shard, a 72-story mixed-use skyscraper, will be the centerpiece for the project. The Shard will include residential, hospitality, office, and retail components. Once completed, it'll be the tallest building in Western Europe. Check out some renderings of The Shard and the London skyline.

The Shard might give the London Bridge and the London Eye a run for their money as London's most recognizable symbols.

The Shard will be 1004 feet tall upon completion. In city where most everything is in the 4-10 story scale, The Shard will be quite a site to behold.


Very few cities look as beautiful as London at night.

The Shard is being designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Quite the name for an architecture firm, who just happened to design the Menil Collection Museum in Houston.

These panoramic views of London never get old! Simply breathtaking.

With as much precipitation as London gets, these massive, clear glass canopies offer rain protection, yet preserve maximum sunlight for pedestrians.

World's Most Stunning Skylines: FT

Guess who is on the list? Houston.

If you are like me, I have a great affinity for downtown skylines. Some people prefer great parks or beautiful ocean views. I happen to enjoy staring out onto towering concrete and steel structures. The Forbes Traveler came up with a list of world's most stunning city skylines. Check out eight of the great urban silhouettes.



Chicago: From modern skyscrapers like the John Hancock Center and the Sears Tower—the world’s tallest high-rise building for more than 23 years ending in 1997—to earlier icons such as the 1895 Reliance Tower and 463-foot-tall Chicago Tribune Tower, completed in 1925, Chicago boasts a skyline of monumental proportions.


Sydney: More people recognize the glorious Sydney Opera House than have probably ever been to an opera.


Dubai: It was clear with the erection of the 1,053-foot-tall Burj al Arab Hotel in 1999 that the sheikdom of Dubai was bent on stealing the global skyline spotlight. Lest there be any doubt, consider that this year Dubai will be home to the tallest skyscraper in the world: the 1,900-foot Burj Dubai tower.


Seattle: Seattle’s location between Puget Sound and Lake Washington lends an impressive backdrop to its central skyline, of which the Space Needle has been the most recognizable feature since its completion in 1962.


Paris: It’s an absence of skyscrapers that defines the French capital’s skyline (with no usable surfaces, the Eiffel Tower doesn’t count). Thanks to its concentration of historic slate gray-roofed six and seven-story buildings, many of which date from the mid-19th century and before, Paris has a remarkably uniform skyline for a city of its size.



London: London’s Parliament and Big Ben “were skyscrapers in their time,” say architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat. “And today London has some amazing modern buildings, such as The London Eye and the Norman Foster-designed ‘Gherkin’ building, which looks like a giant pickle.


Houston: “Houston has the Transco Tower and also Pennzoil Place, two towers that kiss,” say New York architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat, “and all three are Philip Johnson buildings.”


Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh has one of America’s great unsung skylines.

What recession? $150 Million Home On The Market.

This London home located in the prestigious Belgraves Square can be had for $150 million. What does that get you exactly? 21,000 square feet, 8 bedrooms, 20 foot ceiling heights, a huge basement, and a street address that houses "billionaires row." If you quite afford the asking price of this white stucco beauty, their is a much more affordable house on the market across the street. Asking price...$120 million. via-freshome

Green Roofs in NYC: Inhabitat

The Next Big Architecture Trend...

We looked at doing a green roof for High Fashion Home. It's not in the budget currently, but it's definitely in the cards when our roof needs to be replaced. A green roof helps reduce maintenance and energy costs, provides sound insulation and amenity space, and improves air quality.

Ten Arquitectos is designing a mixed use project called Clinton Park, which will incorporate an elaborate green roof design. New York is an incredibly dense city, so any additional green space helps soften their urban grid. In case you never been to the NYC in the summer, it's pretty hot with all the concrete trapping the heat.

Check out the spectactular pictures courtesy of Inhabitat:

Every city is looking to add more green space.

The green roof adds a different dimension to the usual urban skyline.

The step down architectural feature adds to the drama.

Pompidou Museum

I had the pleasure of being in Paris this past December. For the first time, I visited the Pompidou Museum. Granted, I only spent 45 minutes there before I had to catch the plane back to London. It's definitely on my must-see list the next time around where I'll spend considerably more time exploring.

The outside is a mixed bag architecturally. I can't help but feel that Houston's own George R. Brown Convention Center took some design cues from here.

This place is huge!

Looks like random abstract art, until you take a look through a peep hole with a direct view. All the sudden you can see the shape of an eye, which was a very cool surprise.

Wow. I'm not sure if I want to sit in it or give it a hug.

Shiny...

Shiny part II.

Reminds me of a egg slicer. A very stunning egg slicer at that.

I'm not sure about the comfort, but it looks cool!

A lot of the pieces in this wing of the museum sit on rotating platforms. It adds to the dramatic effect.

I guess in a weird way, I can picture this as a futuristic seesaw.

Not sure what to make of this, but it does look impressive in person.

It's unbelievable how creative people can be.

A Little Escape

Growing up, I was always a little jealous of my older sister because she had a window seat. I love window seats. They're so cozy and warm and away from everything else. My dream house will definintely have a window seat or two. I put together this little collection of ones that inspire me, so that you can, hopefully, get inspired as well!

An absence of shades lets the light pour in. This photo and the next three via Domino.

An intimate little nook in which to have a cup of tea on a rainy day.

Even though it's out of the way, the shelves are still accessorized daintily.

Bright white allows for statement pillows.

Technically not a window seat, but a clever use of space nonetheless. This photo and the next via PointClickHome.

Keep plenty of reading material close at hand.

A rustic and homey place to rest. This photo and the next via House Beautiful.

This one might just be my favorite. A tiny little nook for bites to eat and good conversation.

Top 10 Green Architecture Projects 2008: Inhabitat

Inhabitat featured the top 10 most impressive green architecture projects in 2008. I really only wanted to highlight a couple, but I really couldn't help myself. These projects are absolutely jaw-dropping feats of ingenuity and innovation.


Greenpix Zero Energy Wall


The 2008 Olympic Games in China featured several architectural marvels. The Greenpix Zero Energy Wall was definitely one of the biggest hits. It is the world's largest color LED display. The building operates as a self-sufficient organic system by harvesting solar energy during the day and using it to illuminate the screen after dark.


Cathedral of Christ the Light


This modern structure goes against the classical designs of traditional cathedrals. SOM wanted a theme of light to create a contemporary design the capture the soul of the Oakland community.


California Academy of Sciences




The Academy features an aquarium, a natural history museum, a living rain forest, a world class research facility all under a 2.5 acre green roof. The structure will house 38,000 live animals and is on track to receive LEED platinum status.


Zigguarat: Dubai Carbon Neutral Pyramid


The pyramids have inspired the latest proposed, Dubai super structure. The building will be a self sustaining metropolis that can house up to 1,000,000 people. There will be a public transportation system that will mobilize people vertically and horizontally. By running off of wind, stream, and other natural resources, the structure can operate completely off the grid. The giant, eco-pyramid is already being patented and could be the future for an overpopulated world.


The School of Art, Media, and Design in Singapore




The art school blurs the line between landscape and building. The series of roofs create great green space and helps insulate the building. It also harvests rainwater for landscape irrigation. The high performance glass façade reduces solar gain and heat load, while providing great views and loads of natural light for creative spaces.

Shell House: The World's Most Stunning Home!

The Shell House is quite possibly the most breathtaking, architecturally design house that I've ever seen. The house was designed by Artechnic. Designboom recently highlighted this icon, which balances the "futuristic man-made structure and the environment which surrounds it."

How the shell-like structure just bends and surrounds the tree is a sight to behold.

I can read on that patio all day long.

I would host more barbecues if I lived in a house like that.

Yes, those are two skylights there.

Does anyone know where I can find some interior photos showing the home decor in this place? If it looks half as good as the exterior, I would probably be speechless....

Discover the "Green" in you!!

Attention Houston!

We have a NEW park in town and it's the coolest because it's green! I know, you're sitting there saying, "Aren't most parks...green??" Well, yes and no. The special thing about this park is the fact that it's LEED certified. Again, "What's that?" Well, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a new organization that regulates and sets standards for sustainable construction.

Discovery Green has an acre sized lake, a children's park, interactive water features, public art works and spacious lawns. It's located downtown near the George R. Brown Convention Center, Minute Maid Park, and the Toyota Center. How 'bout this? If you're bored one weekend, (especially since it's "winter") you can go ice skating for $10! Or, check out the park's calendar and see what's going on at the amphitheater! Take your dog, of any size, for a run! You could even grab a couple cocktails or a trendy meal at The Grove, or The Lake House--two of Houston's up-and-coming restaurants.

Once you visit you might think, "This park doesn't look any different than any other park I've been to..." Au contraire, my friend! The park uses recycled water is used to fill Kinder Lake, and what's even cooler is the oak trees seen throughout the park were rescued and transplanted to shade the trail!

The park encourages the community to be involved by offering a recycling every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as hosting the Downtown Green Market that is held Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where local growers sell fresh fruits and veggies just for you!

Last but not least, The Grove has a green roof where they grow herbs and spices and the energy produced from the solar paneled roof on The Lake House could run two average American households! Yep. Awesome.
So, I don't know about you but I'm definitely going to be making a trip to Discovery Green. I better see you there!

Little House in the Country

The Old Alsatian House in Castroville, Texas

Hubby and I just returned from our fantastically relaxing honeymoon in the Texas Hill Country, which means I have great stuff to share! Don't worry, it's nothing cheesy or super romantic. Just cool design, inspiring landscapes, and a bit of history.

I promise this is the only heart you'll see here, but aren't these shutters sweet?

Exhibit A: The Steinbach House located in Castroville, Texas (it's just west of San Antonio!) is a relatively new addition to their town, but the house isn't new at all. Oh, no. It was built in 1618. Yes, 1618, in Wahlbach, France. How, you may be asking, did it get to Castroville, Texas, then?

The posts that made up the entire house were held together using these wooden pegs.

Interesting story actually. The Steinbach family lived in it for many years, housing as many as 15 people (at once!) in the 1,232 square foot space. Eventually, the family decided to build a new house, so they disassembled the old one, labelling each post, and storing it for several years.

The posts were numbered with little wooden tags and stored.

It was shipped to Castroville in 1998 with lots of donations and help from many volunteers. The home was rebuilt and furnished and open to the public by March 2002.

The home was furnished with antiques donated by individuals from Alsace.

Can you believe a family of 15 lived in four open bedrooms and a small loft?

If you're ever in the area, I suggest you take a peek at it. It's absolutely adorable!

I love the patchwork!

Pre-Fab(ulous) and Mod(ular)!

I'd have to say that my new obsession would be the process of prefabrication and modular design. It's definately becoming a new trend that people are beginning to realize is more important than it sounds. Pre-fabricated and modular homes are the "new" up-and-coming thing in home building which is surprising since they've been around a little over a century. A little history lesson is in order here...

Pre-fabricated homes came about mostly because of the housing boom in the early 1900's. Because Ford was manufacturing hundreds of cars in a matter of days, homes were about to be mass produced thanks to assembly lines and conveyor belts. If you can believe it, Sears used to sell house kits in which the home was constructed at another location and was transported in about 30,000 different pieces. This allowed more Americans to purchase and build homes without a long wait or costing a pretty penny.

Today we have a similar system but now we're leaning more towards a "green" advantage to these lovely, piece-able abodes. Many companies, such as New World Home, are focusing the design and construction in a way that will save the consumer mega bucks in the long run. Between energy-star appliances and Hardiplank that doesn't have to be painted for fifty years you're sure to love the idea. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in Louisiana, thousands of people were left homeless and without any hope of rebuilding their lives. Brad Pitt is a perfect example as an angel of hope for those thousands of people. He is one of the many that are encouraging non-profit organizations and various companies to invest in designing and building pre-fab(ulous) and mod(ular) homes.

My co-worker, SarahwithStyle, also pointed out that modular homes are being built from old shipping containers. You know, the ones that are on the back of 18-wheelers, trains, or stacked upon thousands of each other in the Port of Houston--yeah, those! How awesome is that!?

I've come in contact with various individuals who don't think that the idea of pre-fabrication is a result of the green movement and cannot be aesthetically pleasing or practical when in which I completely disagree. For example, MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art in New York City) recently had an exhibition called Home Delivery. This exhibition focuses on exactly this topic but not without the creators of these homes proving to be extradinary artists and designers. Even IKEA is into this pre-fab thing. Can you imagine purchasing one of these babies and having it completely furnished? Too cool of an idea. Let's just hope that you have a Home Owner's Association that thinks the same thing!

Met Home/Showtime House Tour: Dexter

Next up on the Met Home/Showtime house tour, Dexter! There is a lot of white/off-white backgrounds with a strong punch of color. It gives off a fine arts museum vibe.

The red orb chair and blue paintings just jump out in this setting!

This is a kitchen to-die-for. Curved cabinetry with soothing earth tones makes for a kitchen that you might never want to leave.

Vivid imagery. Stark white with splashes of red. If you look close, you'll see the red-filled test tubes on the table. I'm not sure if I'm excited about the decor or scared....

Really subtle wall art that makes a big impact! Looks like something you would see at the Delano Hotel.

Stained Glass Love

Pull the drapes aside and let light filter in through stained glass panes. Always chic and makes you unique! Here are some of my favorites:

Grand stained glass in the Notre Dame de Reims- an early study in product placement. Click to see what I mean.

Antiqued doors with brilliant colored glass- No wonder it's a Room We Love!

Breathtaking entryway via Coco + Kelley.

Modern strips of stained glass at Salvador & Amanda in London.

Met Home/Showtime House Tour: Californication

Metropolitan Home has the insider scoop with a home tour of Showtime's biggest shows. I've never seen Californication, but the home decor alone might be enough to make me a loyal viewer. The interior design just oozes a laid back, yet hip vibe. Check out the photos below:

The high back blue chair is just crazy. Love it.

The colors are so soothing. The mosaic tiling that looks like burlap is awesome.



Don't you feel at ease from this picture.



This has automatically become my favorite bookshelf.

How cool is that? Who thinks of these things?

Making Space for Wine

How many of you homeowners out there have an unused space underneath your stairs? I love what this designer did with hers- wine storage. I adore the minimalist shelving that holds, what looks like, a healthy dose of vino, and almost invisible glass doors keep the wine at the right temp. It's stylish, it's practical, it's a wine-lover's dream.

I Love This House...

I am in love with the Dairy House by Charlotte Skene-Catling. The light coming in during the day (an exiting at night) must be incredible! Really, there isn't a whole lot to say about it- the pictures speak for themselves.

The Great Outdoors?

To preface this blog, let me just say that I have never been the outdoorsy type. When I went to summer camp, I would dread the night when they made us actually sleep outside. When my sister took me camping on an island off of San Francisco, I panicked at the mention of "no bathrooms nearby". My idea of a fun camping trip is a two hour picnic- until now.

Thanks to Daily Candy (which informed me of the things in this blog), I actually want to give camping a try. I have three conditions:

My main beef about camping: the fact that I feel funky. There's a reason we learned to shower daily- we smell if we don't. So for my camping trip I would insist on having a Pocket Shower. So to review... Funky dance moves: okay, funky body odor: not so good.

Here's my second beef- when you are a girl, it is not easy to, ahem, relieve yourself outdoors. And if you have to go numero dos? Forget it. Where's the car? I'm outta here. That's why I would take the appropriately named Shit Box. Guess what you do with it.

On to my third, and final, condition. If I am going to shower and poo outdoors, it better be at the Ritz Carlton of campsites. So, I will be requesting a trip across the pond to FForest in Cardigan (that's in the UK y'all). You can stay the weekend in a dome like the one above and just zone out. No cell phone, no computer, no blogging. Just beautiful, natural surroundings, calming ocean, and your fellow travelers. I may just have to give this camping thing another shot.

We *Heart* Wood Floors

I grew up in NYC. This is not a disclaimer, just a little factoid. I guess I have a nostalgic love of old pre-war apartments with all their glorious imperfections and built in bookshelves, decorative moldings and warm, worn, old wood floors. Since I have moved to Houston, I have so rarely come across those treasured floors I spent my formative years taking for granted up north. The flats I have seen here are mainly new and the wood floors are even and flat and usually laminates, or the floors are covered in carpets, or slate tiles. Aesthetically pleasing nonetheless, they don't have that feel under my feet that I didn't even realize I longed for until I started seeing these pictures pop up in my magazines.

I think I am in love. Swooning, butterflies in the stomach, giddy love... over chevron patterned old wood flooring. *Ahhhhhh, sigh!

Everything But The Kitchen Table...

A preppy kitchen booth with extra storage below is always handy.

Lately, I've been hunting for the perfect kitchen table and chairs. Something small enough for my little apartment's dining room, but still enough to fill the breakfast nook of a house in the future. I really want a clean and modern round table to surround with industrial metal or mix-and-match antique dining chairs. Luckily, I have lots of pictures to serve as inspiration in my search!

A relaxed and airy breakfast nook at Amanda Peet's home.

A simple and rustic booth in a breakfast nook.

Tres minimal... Straight pieces of wood and chairs with just a little curve.



A nook with a view at the home of Billy & Katie Joel.



Granted, this takes a little more effort to build a bar out from the counter, but the combination of marble and colorful barstools is fantastic.

The HF List: Summer Vacation for Grown-Ups

If you're a parent, more than likely your summer vacations will be limited to kid-friendly locales like beaches, theme parks, and the occasional zoo. If you are not a parent, more than likely you don't want to spend your summer vacation with other people's kids. Maybe you're looking for a romantic spot in which to cozy up with your love, or a relaxing vineyard to enliven your wine palette, or you could just need some peace and quiet. Italy and France are both fine and good for those purposes, but it's not always feasible to jump across the pond. Money, family, and vacation time all prohibit big trips. So when you need to get away, just for a weekend, it's easy to do so by just jumping in your car. Better yet, rent a Prius and save on gas (even more relaxing!). There are great spots all over Texas where one can wine, dine, and chill.

The Hill Country: Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast
Nestled in Fredericksburg, the Magnolia House is in close proximity to tons of shopping- antiques are a big part of the city. The Hill Country is also a great place to visit if you enjoy wine- there are several vineyards to visit and taste at. The B&B itself is charming and quiet and serves a MEAN breakfast. I promise you won't be disappointed!

West Texas: Thunderbird Motel
You may or may not be familiar with Marfa, TX, it's great art scene, or the Mystery Lights. When driving up to El Paso, you won't find a lot on the way. I know this as I've made countless road trips there to visit grandparents. If only, as a kid, I had enough sway with my parents to make a quick detour off of I-10 to explore Marfa. We could have stayed at the design lovers paradise, Thunderbird Motel. The minimalist space is nonetheless luxurious and perfect for a desert getaway.

The Gulf Coast: Hoopes House
If water and sun is what you crave, drive down to Rockport. You can lay on the beach, catch up on your reading, and sip on something fruity. Then, when the sun has wreaked havoc on your energy level and skin, head back to Hoopes House for some much deserved R&R indoors. The restored 1890's home offers casual, spacious rooms that don't evoke feeling of staying in a museum, but a beachy summer villa.


South Texas Plains: Inn on the Riverwalk
Enjoying a nightlife somewhere doesn't require you to stay at a Holiday Inn. You can enjoy a quiet stay in the middle of downtown if you know where to look. If exploring the Riverwalk in San Antonio is your thing, try Inn on the Riverwalk. You'll be close to all of the action of the Riverwalk- the clubs, shopping, dining, etc- but instead of coming back to a generic hotel room, you get a sweeter place to rest your head.


The Big City: Modern B&B
For an anniversary or birthday, it's nice to get out of the house and try someplace new without even leaving town. I know where I'm heading: Modern B&B. Just to be clear, this isn't your mama's B&B. This place is sleek, modern, cool. You'll still be close to all of the hip things going on in the city. You'll come back to an amazingly designed room, a view of the city, and a good night's sleep.

A Starck Reality Show!

Mention his name to any architect, and you'll get some very polarizing opinions about this world famous artist-designer. Philippe Starck's ubiquitous brand stretches across innovative toothbrushes, unique furniture, spectactular interior design, and unbelievable architecture. The man best know for the New Design style is now going to have his own reality TV series on the BBC. Philippe Starck's School of Design show will have 25 British contestants that will battle it out and ultimately be judged by Starck himself. The winner gets a prestigious 6-month internship at Starck's studio.


Check out some of Stark's greatest hits:

Victoria Ghost Chairs: An absolute, iconic beauty!

Duravit AG Design Center in Hornberg, Germany

Starck Arcitecture: Icon Vallarta is a 26-story luxury high rise.

Philippe Starck restaurant in Beijing.

Philippe Starck-designed Microsoft optical mouse

Solar Lily Pads

I saw this on Inhabitat recently and thought this was brilliantly innovative. These Solar Lily Pads, inspired by nature, involve placing large solar panel discs on the surface of the River Clyde. The "lily pad" discs were created by ZM Architecture to aesthetically blend into the river ecology in Glasgow, Scotland.


The solar lily pads are equipped with an integrated motor and sensor which allows the discs to rotate toward the sun. The solar lily pads would therefore receive maximum exposure to the sun's rays.

The energy generated from the solar lily pads would be transferred to the city's main grid. Additionally, the plan could potentially be a catalyst for increased urban development and tourism. The proposal has been submitted to the Glasgow City Council for a trial project.

French Decadence: Le BelleChasse

Hotel Le BelleChasse

I just flipped through the June issue of Metropolitan Home, when I landed on this page stopper. Number 49 on the Design 100 list was none other than Hotel Le BelleChasse. This immaculate hotel is located blocks from the Musee d'Orsay. The decor is seemlingly straight out of a Tim Burton movie. Fashion designer, Christian LaCroix, has created such a striking and diverse palette of imagery with antiques, contemporary art, playing cards, and Renaissance architecture. The colors, angles, textures, and styles are blended seamlessly to form a visual tour de force.

Who really thinks of incorporating insects and geometric shapes on wall paper? It works.

Beautiful pinks, blacks, and whites are taken straight from Lacroix's apparel fashion world.

There are so many rich visuals going on, yet there is an underlying calm to the room.

Clean, modern aesthetics combined with a Bohemian feel.

Gorgeous, velvet tufted chairs in the lobby.

I had to look twice to make sure the lush visuals were actually real! The mix and match dining chairs should be more utilized in the home decor world.

The illustrations do a wonderful job in capturing the exaggerated beauty of the hotel.

Earth Day: AIA Top 10 Green Projects

The American Institute of Architects selected the top 10 green projects in 2008 as outstanding examples of sustainable design.


Yale University Sculpture Building and Gallery was designed to provide maximum daylight and exceptional energy efficiency, a wall system was designed that incorporates solar shading, a triple glazed low-e vision panel, 8-foot high operable windows and a translucent double cavity spandrel panel.


The Queens Botanical Garden has propelled itself into the front ranks of its field as the first botanical garden in the country devoted to sustainable environmental stewardship.


The Nueva School's Hillside Learning Complex was designed to integrate straightforward, appropriate and cost-effective sustainable design solutions within the broader language of contemporary architectural expression.


The MacAllen Building Condominium features many green elements including innovative technologies that will save over 600,000 gallons of water annually while consuming 30 percent less electricity than a conventional building.


The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center is the first building recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council LEED program as carbon-neutral in operation.


The Lavin-Bernick Center was stripped to the concrete frame, expanded by 33 percent and redesigned with a variety of environmental systems.


Garthwaite Center for Science & Arts is a LEED Platinum certified building. Fifty-five detailed sustainability goals included renewable energy, no water to be discharged to the local sewer, 100 percent storm water infiltration on-site, artificial lighting designed to less than one watt per square foot and minimal maintenance for 20 years.


Pocono Environmental Education Center is a flexible, multipurpose gathering space for dining, meetings, lectures and other environmental learning activities.


The Discovery Center at South Lake Union was designed to be demountable, separating at three integrated joints to break into four separate modules capable of being transported along surface streets.


For the Cesar Chavez Library, the scarcity of water led to roof top rainwater collection for irrigation, while water reducing fixtures are used indoors.

America's Top Designer: Kelly Wearstler

The Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica

Interior designers can be a hit or a miss. But the really good ones can help turn your home into a slice of heaven. Of course, there might not be a bigger trend-setter than this interior design visionary. Meet Kelly Wearstler.


Kelly is the founder and principal of the award-winning Los Angeles-based firm Kelly Wearstler Interior Design. Some call her style "Cinematic Chic". Others call it "Mod-Baroque". Many people say she's recreated "Hollywood Glamour." Most of us admirers just say "Wow!" Her mixing of vintage and contemporary styles gives off a refreshing and invigorating look that is distinctly her own. She brings a unique, cinematic drama to each of her projects with a masterful command of bold textures and colors. Do yourself a favor and go visit the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica. It redefined what an uber chic, boutique hotel is all about. As soon as you step inside, you'll understand the meaning of great interior design.

Wearstler's signature "Kelly Green" gesture.

A cool library themed lounge at the Viceroy.

Mid-century modern chairs with generous tufting.

Brentwood Estate

Brentwood Estate: Just look at that wallpaper.

Hillcrest Estate: Just look at her use of colors.

Hillcrest Estate: Got to love the daybed with a pop of chartreuse bedding.

Hillcrest Estate: Look at the ceiling detail.

Berdorf Goodman Restaurant

Viceroy Palm Springs

Maison 140

Guest Room at the Viceroy in Santa Monica.

The lobby bathroom at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica.

Kelly Wearstler Collection at Berdorf Goodman

The outdoor area at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica.


Maison 140

American Institute of Architects 2007 Housing Awards

The American Institute of Architects recently announced 19 recipients of the 2007 Housing Committee Awards. The awards are based on great design that highlight the "importance of good housing as a necessity of life, a sanctuary for the human spirit, and a valuable national resource." Prepare to be very envious when you check out the winning homes below courtesy of the L.A. Times.

People in Glass Houses...

Urban Glass House by Philip Johnson from Business Week. Brick chevron pattern.

You're probably wondering what chevron patterned flooring has to do with glass houses. I admit, it's a stretch, but coming up with witty titles for blogs day in and day out isn't easy. Turns out, Philip Johnson, famed architect used only chevron pattern floors in the Urban Glass House located in New York. Pretty cool to think that Philip and I have something in common: love of the sophisticated, simple chevron. I seem to be finding it everywhere lately. The makings of a trend perhaps? Either way, if you're looking for flooring with a bit more je ne sais quoi, try the chevron.

Chevron flooring in a light washed finish is extra chic.

A detail of the Bovary Dining Table by Oly. Chevron pattern in hand pieced limestone.